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Saturday, September 26, 2015

This pattern has been in my stash a while. I keep pulling it out to make, then deciding to do something else. Finally, I traced it in June. And then got sidetracked again. But it sat on my sewing table glaring at me and I finally sewed it.

But to be honest, I'm kind of lukewarm about it. It's one of those dresses that looks OK in pictures, but really doesn't wear well in real life.

But let me start at the beginning. The pattern is McCalls 5752, AKA "The Perfect Knit Dress" by Palmer/Pletsch. I made view B, but omitted the ruching on the midriff panel and lengthened the skirt 18 inches.

For fit, I only wrapped the front an additional 1/2 inch, but I should have shortened the front wrap. It gapes a bit - partly due to my fabric, which is very drapey. I stitched together the bodice wrap at the facing fold line to keep it modest. It works, but stitching a wrap bodice bugs me. It's a cheater move and I know it. I also added pockets because I cannot wear a dress without pockets.

The fabric I used is a very thin ITY. I normally wouldn't use a knit this weight for a dress, as it is quite clingy, but it kept telling me it wanted to be a maxi dress. And I really like the print as a maxi dress, I just wish I had chosen a pattern with a less clingy skirt. Because that is the problem I'm having with this dress. Without hard core shapewear, it clings to my hips in very unflattering ways.

The shaping of the midriff band is no help. I have a bit of a tummy, courtesy of three children and a general disinclination to exercise. The seam that attaches the midriff to the skirt highlights this area by curving over it. Not an ideal design element for me.

Overall, I think after a week of consideration, I like this dress enough to keep it in the closet, but it definitely won't be a go to, since it requires shapewear for me to wear in public. I'm not opposed to that generally, but it isn't an everyday thing for me. And the pattern is going in the circular file. Sorry, McCalls. This is definitely NOT the Perfect Knit Dress. Back to the drawing board...

Friday, September 18, 2015

So, I made a dress. But I don't think I like it. Wadders suck and as precious as my sewing time is lately, they are very discouraging. I needed a quick win.

Kitschy Coo Comino Cap top to the rescue!! I just love this pattern. I know, I've made a few of them, but I wear them all the time. I can always use another.

For the fabric, I used a precious camera print that I purchased from Kitschy Coo last year. There is still a bit in stock, if you hurry! Check it out here. Since this is a nice beefy knit, I paired it with an interlock from Chez Ami. They are similar weights, so they work well together.

I've made this pattern enough times that I can go from staring at my stash to putting on my new top in less than two hours. I love a quick win. It's so good for the mojo.

One thing I have discovered, as I've made several of the colorblocked style, is that I find that I like to make the bottom section separate from the top, then sew the joining seam in the round. That way, I can match the thread in each section. It was particularly important to me here, since hot pink thread would have been rather obvious in the black section, and black thread quite noticable in the pink.

Thank goodness for a quick win! Maybe I won't give up on this sewing thing after all.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

A few weeks ago, a representative from Lillestoff contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out some of their new women's fabrics to show you all. After I finished squealling with delight, I responded with a hearty "yes, please!".

The fabrics I selected arrived super quickly from Germany. I had already chosen a pattern, but new fabric requires careful selection! After perusing the pattern stash, I ended up back with my first choice.

The pattern is from the 02/2007 issue of Ottobre woman. I've had this issue for years, with intentions of making this top. This Lillestof fabric was pretty much designed for this pattern! For the main body of the fabric, I used the Aloha Flamingo Paradise print.

The pattern is fairly basic, but with an interesting twist. The front is tank with a wrap overlay. The ties wrap fully around the body, giving shaping at the waist and flattering the bust. It makes a basic tee into something not at all basic.

The back is all one piece, but the wrap ties prevent the top from looking like the back was forgotten. The sleeves are also trimmed with the binding fabric, which adds a cohesive touch.

The Lillestoff knit was absolutely perfect for this top. The fabric has enough stretch to shape to the body nicely, but great recovery so that it doesn't sag or droop. The wrap sections stay in place perfectly all day, no readjustment required.

For the binding fabric, I used a ring-striped jersey, in "rosa/himbeer". It is a perfect match for the pink flowers. The aweseme thing about the Lillestoff jerseys is that the stretch runs in both directions, so I could use the stripes in whichever direction and still have the stretch and recovery I needed in the binding.

This isn't the first Lillestoff fabric I've sewn with, and it won't be the last. If you haven't had the pleasure of sewing up some Lillestoff, I have an exciting giveaway for you! As part of my bundle, I also recieved some fabrics to share with you! I have two separate packages, so hopefully they'll be an option you are interested it.

The first selection of fabrics are Lara and Holland prints. Each piece is about 2 meters. They would be lovely together or in separate projects. Enter below in the Rafflecopter giveaway! US and Canada only please. a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the other selection, Lillestoff sent me this adorable Summer Forest print. I've added about 3/4 of a yard of red rib knit from my own stash to coordinate. Enter here in the Rafflecopter giveaway. You can enter for both if you wish! US and Canada only please. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck! I'll announce the winner on the 11th! Be sure to check back then.